A 15-year-old named Finn Holland, who has a passion for animals, took quick action when he learned about a shark stranded on a shore near his residence in Maces Bay, N.B. Holland, along with his family, drove their side-by-side vehicle down to the beach upon spotting the injured shark. Despite its initial appearance of being almost lifeless, Holland noticed subtle movements, prompting him to assist the creature back into the water.
Initially hesitant due to the shark’s size of approximately two meters and weighing about 70 kilograms, Holland eventually identified it as a porbeagle shark. Expressing his astonishment at the encounter, Holland described the experience as fascinating. His mother, Jill Holland, shared that it was typical of Finn to take action without hesitation, showcasing his brave and caring nature.
Despite residing in the area for over a decade without any prior knowledge of shark presence, the Hollands’ encounter was deemed rare by a shark expert, Neil Hammerschlag. Hammerschlag explained that porbeagle sharks, known for their ability to maintain body warmth in colder waters, are not commonly found in shallow waters like where Finn found the shark, suggesting a potential distress situation.
The species’ decline over the years due to overfishing has led to their endangered status, with protective measures in place since 2004 under the Species at Risk Act. Hammerschlag commended Finn’s courageous act of returning the shark to the water, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts for such vulnerable species.
Reflecting on the community’s positive response to his actions, Finn expressed gratitude for the support received and highlighted the unspoken appreciation he felt from the rescued shark, reaffirming his belief in doing the right thing for animals.